A lifetime dream of running his own business has finally become a reality for a North West man after he won a brand new Toyota Quantum 16-seater worth more than R200000 and a floating trophy.

Motlhaotsile Godfrey Mosala outclassed other competitors from all provinces in the national Taxi Driver of the Year Awards competition and walked away with the crown on Tuesday night.

The event was held at the Meropa Casino outside Polokwane. The competition, which started in 2004, is held to encourage responsible driving among taxi drivers and good behaviour towards drivers on the part of commuters.

It has since inception been sponsored by the National Department of Transport in conjunction with Brandhouse.

Other sponsors include the Road Traffic Management Corporation and Toyota South Africa.

Said Mosala, 30, yesterday: "I joined the taxi industry in 1999 as a driver and never looked back because I really wanted to have one of my own."

It was only at his second attempt that he won the award.

"I want to thank God for working wonders for me by assisting me in winning the competition in only my second year of competing. God is great," he said.